The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 26, Number 7 | Page 24

The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | March 2020
Continued from previous page
How well versed are you on Title 40, The Police Chief's Bill of Rights, or Civil Service depending on which is applicable? Do you
keep up on changes, modifications, additions, deletions, clarifications, and case law decisions? Do you know what your elected
officials can and cannot do as related to your office and the police department? While I am not suggesting fostering an
environment of controversy with them, but I am encouraging you to be a confidant chief who can stand strong behind the rule
of law. Think of it this way. Look at your credentials. College degree? Master's degree? FBI NA? ACE through the NJ State
Chiefs? Years of experience? Previous ranks held? Accredited department? Police training and certifications? Anything I
missed? Pretty impressive! Do you know the only requirement necessary (other than US citizen, resident of your community,
at least 18 years old, and a registered voter) for someone to hold an elected office? The most votes! There is no disrespect
intended here, but it is critically important to understand the perspective that yesterday someone was an ordinary citizen,
today they get the most votes, and tomorrow they are your boss. But you are still the Chief of Police with statutory authority
and responsibility to run the day to day operations of the department.
How many times have you thought throughout your rise through the ranks about what changes you would make if you had the
opportunity? Did those changes stay consistent through different chiefs and through the different ranks you held? What were
your reason(s) for wanting these changes? Are you going to make them now that you are chief or have you made any of them
already? If so, what were the results? Thumbs up or thumbs down?
Have you had any "aha" moments now that you sit in the chief's chair over decisions made by previous chief(s) that you did
not understand at the time? How many of your decisions are received throughout the department with the same slanted eye
that you had back when you thought you knew it all? Can you build the trust of the department in you that maybe you did not
have in previous chiefs? Do you have a standard of expectations now that you did not follow before?
What happens when you make a mistake? Do you succumb to the impact it has to your pride? Do you identify the mistake,
accept responsibility, apologize when and where appropriate, and fix it? Did I ask if you accept responsibility? After all, it is
easy to bask in the glow of positive accomplishments, but hard to admit when you have gone in the wrong direction.
Have you built relationships with other chiefs? The county associations, the State Chiefs, and IACP are all invaluable resources
for you. There will always be another chief who has already gone through what you are facing today, so reach out for help. The
time will come, if it has not already, where you will be the chief others rely on. The common thing about these fine
organizations is that they all have "Chief" in their names. Since no one currently in your department knows what it is like to sit
in your chair, make sure you have other chiefs by your side. Forging these relationships cannot begin when a crisis is all
around you. These other chiefs will hold you up and walk by your side through whatever you face.
Do you have the department's respect? Do they have yours? This is not an all or nothing question, but important nonetheless.
Respect does not come automatically as it must be earned. Respect is also multifaceted. Are you respected as chief? Are you
respected as a person? Some components of respect are coupled with humility. Do you wish to be respected or do you prefer
to be feared?
Are you willing to lead with integrity no matter what the cost? Think hard before you answer.......what if that cost affects you
personally? Is doing what is right more important than what you think is best for you? Do the lines blur between the two
enough that would justify bending the rules just a little? Never forget that you are being watched by everyone below you
(which is everyone!) just as you used to watch. Never forget that some watch because they want to emulate you while others
watch for the opportunity to destroy you. And many who watch are between these two extremes. They watch because they
must. After all, you are the chief.
Hmmm, now what do I do?
The views, information, or opinions expressed by contributors or advertisers to The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those
of The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, its officers, or employees. The primary purpose of this publication is to educate and inform. This publication does not constitute legal or other
professional services or advice.
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